Colangco: Ex-DOJ USec Baraan got kickbacks for transferring inmates

Colanggo describes a conversation he had with then Sec. Leila de Lima whom he bowed to in thanks during the congressional probe on the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison Sept. 20, 2016. L. Rillon/Inquirer

Former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III allegedly received payments for the transfer of inmates inside the New Bilibid Prison, convicted robber Herbert Colangco said on Tuesday.

During the House probe on drug proliferation at the national penitentiary, Colangco said he arranged the transfer of prisoners in Bilibid from one compound to another through Baraan’s alleged bagman, whom he identified as a certain “Susan.”

Colangco cited an instance where Baraan allegedly asked for P500,000 in exchange for the transfer of a prisoner from the medium to maximum security compound.

He said inmates preferred the maximum compound, which he likened to “Las Vegas,” due to the posh lifestyle that prisoners enjoy in the facility.

Colangco admitted turning the compound into a “Roxas Boulevard,” saying he conducted concerts, sold beers and hired models for the inmates’ pleasure.

READ: Colangco: I turned Bilibid into ‘Roxas Boulevard’

Baraan was among the officials included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s supposed drug matrix, who were allegedly behind the proliferation of drug trade in the prison facility.

Baraan had denied the allegations, saying he was never in charge of the penitentiary. RAM

READ: Ex-DOJ undersecretary Baraan: I never oversaw Bilibid’s daily operation

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